The Haven

NEWLY REFURBISHED! As its name implies, the Haven is a lovely cottage to retreat to after a day's strenuous hiking over the beautiful nearby hills and moors. In Gunnerside and recently modernised, but retaining lovely 200 year old Swaledale architectural features such as beamed and boarded ceilings and stone flagged floors, the Haven is wonderfully comfortable and welcoming. An unspoilt character Dales cottage, it nevertheless benefits from modern conveniences such as underfloor central heating and a log-burning stove. With two private gardens, you can catch the sun at any time of day, or snuggle up inside and relax amid the wonderful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales!

Up to two well-behaved dogs welcome. Free wifi! Sorry, no smoking. Sleeps 4.

Week bookings at the Haven run from Saturday to Saturday (reserve online or telephone 01748 886366).

Short breaks are available (see FAQs) - please call to book a short break.

The Haven, located in the heart of the the pretty village of Gunnerside, has lots of amenities. Ghyllfoot tearoom and Mary Shaw's Cafe are within strolling distance, and the King's Head is reopened, dogs welcome, great value food. A wealth of tearooms, inns, galleries, museums and craft shops are to be found within a 10 mile radius, including gastropubs, the Punch Bowl, at Low Row, and The CB Inn in Arkengarthdale, the Farmer's Arms at Muker, 3 miles, (dogs welcome, good food and ales) and larger facilities, shops and supermarkets within half an hour's drive. Reeth, 6 miles, has two garages, post office, organic bakery, three pubs, Friday market, and local shops (logs and sticks can be bought here). Dales bike hire at Fremington, 7 miles (along with cakery). Charming hamlets and villages are a must to explore, as well as quaint old-fashioned market towns, such as Hawes and Leyburn. Orange/EE (only) mobile reception in Gunnerside area (patchy). Free wifi at the Haven. Ghyllfoot Tearoom can provide frozen "bistro-style" meals - see FAQs. Mobile fish and chip van in Gunnerside on Fridays, approx 7.30pm.

Sleeps 4.

Oil central heating, including downstairs underfloor heating.

Log-burning stove (starter pack of logs provided). Further logs available to purchase in Reeth and Hawes.

Notes and Additional Information

"A really lovely cottage and any amount of walks, views and watering holes in this unique landscape." P Hutchinson, Hexham.

"Lovely cottage in a beautiful location for a wonderful short break here with some excellent walks along familiar paths in beautiful weather." John and Sue Dunford, Leics.

"I have had, no doubt, the best week of my life, here in Gunnerside, with loads of completely different walks, amazing photos (to cherish forever) and, most of all... THIS COTTAGE! Overall, the most comfy, homely, cosy cottage I've ever stayed in the 10 years I've been on this earth. From the bottom of my heart, thank-you." Teddy Cuthbert.

"Lovely cottage in charming Gunnerside. Every day a different route for walking with amazing scenery. Lots of useful information in folder and a cupboard of delightful games." Barbara Cuthbert, Warkworth.

"Thank-you for a wonderful stay at your lovely cottage. We have had a fantastic week." The Hemingways, Leeds.

"What a super cottage in a fantastic location. Everything we were expecting! Cottage warm and comfortable. Enjoyed the log burner of an evening. We have had some fantastic walks and can't wait till next time." John, Theresa and Beano, Leeds.

"Thanks for a special weekend spent with very special friends. The Farmer's Arms will remember us for a long time!" Jimmy, Val, Danny and Sheila, Leeds/Ireland.

"Beautiful setting with stunning views. Great walks from the front door - up the river to Low Row and to Muker, where we had delicious cakes, ice cream and drinks from Muker Tearoom. Reeth Bakery worth a visit, as is Reeth Ice Cream Parlorur." Jolyon, Sally, Milly, Briony and Vickie Thomson, London.

"A brilliant time - a lovely break before the return to work tomorrow" Fiona from Leeds, Gordon from Hebden Bridge.

"Thank-you for a fantastic stay in this lovely cottage - we've had a perfect relaxing break and would love to come again." Phil and Nicola, Leeds.

"Thank-you, had a lovely break. Cottage very well-equipped and well placed for some great walks. Very warm and cosy - home from home." The Burtons, Bridlington.

"Had a great break. Cottage is lovely and very well-equipped and comfortable. A lovely base for some great walks. Would love to come back one day." The Lindleys, Leeds.

"Nice and cosy. Good for the dogs and great shower!" The Gibles family, Leeds.

"We have had an amazing week here in Gunnerside. We really loved the Haven, especially the log burner and the walks straight from the door. Swaledale is a beautiful part of the Dales. We definitely hope to return soon." Jayne and David, Heckmondwike.

"Had a lovely short stay. Great walks from cottage. Our dogs loved it!" The Overends, Wakefield.

"Had a lovely week, weather has been great and we have had some fantastic walks. The cottage is idyllic and has been a home away from home - thank-you very much." The Miles gang.

"The name of the cottage says it all. A beautiful home from home in a stunning part of the world. Can't wait to return." Matt, Monette and Isobel Harrison, and Oscar, the dog.

"First holiday in the Dales and it all lived up to expectation. The Haven is just so right and has everything we needed, plus all spic and span. Weather was almost too hot for walking all week!" Kenneth and Jennifer Morrison, Ullapool.

"Loved the cottage, pity the pub was closed, but found plenty of pubs in surrounding area. Stunning part of the UK, can't wait to come back again." Julie and Phil Myatt, Basingstoke.

"Really enjoyed our week at the Haven. Great walks, the Buck at Reeth had good food in a lovely village." Karen Muller, Marian Taylor.

"We have had a lovely time, a good blend of weather from sun to snow! We've thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing break and will let our friends know. Looking forward to exploring more next time!" David, Pam, Paul and David, Burley in Wharfedale.

"Great stay - love the cottage, the village, and will most definitely be back." Sue and Paul.

"Another great week of walking! There are so many good walks around here and include lots from the house. Gunnerside Gill is always interesting!" Chris and Jo.

"Good time again in Swaledale!" The Maguire, W Yorks.

"It's a lovely cottage - warm and welcoming, beautifully appointed and clean! The Farmer's Arms in Muker is excellent. And the fish and chip van on Fridays is a treat straight out of Brueghel!" John and Kay, Stockport.

"Weather been fantastic, great walks, had a lovely time!" S and C Godfrey, Hastings.

"Had a great time, loved the cottage. Thank-you!" The Barnes family, Northwich.

"Lovely cycling holiday in Swaledale, Teesdale and Weardale. The Haven was an excellent base, both comfortable and functional. We'd love to return." Sue and David Cannell and family, Shrewsbury.

"A fab week in the Haven - weather not great that didn't dampen spirits! Lovely, cosy cottage, great walks nearby. We love Gunnerside and the Dales and will be back soon!" Jamie and Ryan, Holyhead.

"We fell in love with the Yorkshire Dales and the meadows. Great holiday, despite poor weather. Wonderful walks everywhere." The Dicksons and Conways, Scotland.

"Lovely cottage - everything we needed, lovely to have a garden space for dogs. Great local pub - dogs loved the dog menu! Great fish and chips Friday evening." Dawn and Steve, Bury St Edmunds.

"We loved the Haven, great value for money, great location and we love Gunnerside. The King's Head was fantastic and the Tan Hill Inn is a lovely drive. The cottage is well stocked up and we all found it very comfy, relaxing and will look forward to coming back again soon." Ms C Priestley, Leeds.

"Our second stay at the Haven and we have had a great week. Swaledale remains the only place where total relaxation can be found! Fantastic location, fantastic views, fantastic local pub, a fantastic stay!" The Maguires, W Yorks.

"The cottage was perfect for us. It's our first holiday with our 3 month old baby, we love coming to the Yorkshire Dales. We did several local walks from the cottage and had beautiful sunny weather. It has been such a relaxing break. Thank-you!" Sarah, Martyn and Harry, Lincs.

"The cottage is very comfortable and cosy when the log fire gets going. Great for Alfie (the Springer), spent the whole break in the river." Gary and Wendy, Baildon.

"We come back year after year, a very special place to be for both of us." Steve and Jan.

"It has been a privilege to spend a wintry week in Swaledale - many thanks!" The Ainsworths, Preston.

"Our second stay at the Haven, and what a great start to the new year. The weather has been great, two days were just sunshine and blue sky. Nearly all our walks have been from the cottage and all have been spectacular. Highlights have been the warm welcome, great food and drink at the King's Head, we also enjoyed a drink at the Farmer's Arms, Muker, and we also had a lovely meal at the Punch Bowl. We are now looking foward to our next stay at the Haven, we hope it is soon." Peter and Jo Wright, Blackburn, Lancs.

"Our second stay at the Haven, a lovely cottage in the heart of Swaledale. Great walks, lovely food at the Farmer's Arms, nice relaxing five days." Jane and Joe Gray, Sheffield.

"A great week's walking - great to explore the hills and the lead mines!" Chris and Jo, Stockton-on-Tees.

"Cottage lovely; love the decor and cottage size. Nice to have garden for the little one to play in." The Greenings, Hull.

"We have had a super week at the Haven, totally relaxing, comfortable adn excellent location - great to have the garden. We definitely hope to return again soon, thank-you." Christine and Mark Storey, Lower Raydon, Suffolk.

"Had a lovely long weekend here. Enjoyed some walks right from the front door. The cottage was cosy and very comfortable and even though it was August, it was a bit chilly ot, so we enjoyed a real fire!" Rachael and Michael Flesher and Poppy, the spaniel, Harrogate.

"Enjoyed a lovely week here, had plenty of sunshine and some rain! The locals have been very friendly." Tamzin, Ray, Thomas and James, Northampton.

"Lovely stay in Gunnerside. Didn't manage to do everything we wanted, so will be back one day!" Angela, Vince, Edi and baby Magnus, Aberdeen.

"We have had a fantastic stay in Gunnerside and are sad to be leaving this lovely place. The cottage is ideal, one of the nicest we have stayed in." Claire and Patrick Wilson, Billingham, Teesside.

"What a lovely, comfy, clean, stylish cottage! Really enjoyed sitting out in both gardens. Good meal at the bistro Saturday!" Alison and Peter, York.

"We've enjoyed our stay in lovely Gunnerside - and the weather was good! Very comfortable in the Haven." Joan Little, Liz Holmes, Northumberland.

"Beautiful place with lots of walks; lovely cottage to return to after a day out on the hills! Good to get away from the city life, can't beat the English countryside!" The Watson family.

"Wow! Fantastic cottage, one of the nicest we have stayed in." Claire, Graham, Rosie and Ella, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

"Lovely cottage in great location - we loved its proximity to the King's Head, which we found to be a typical village pub; very friendly, plus good food. We've seen Swaledale at its best - lambs, primroses, violets and cowslips and the most fantastic scenery in the country." Helen and Roger, Derbyshire.

"Just a few days to recharge. 2nd stay at the Haven - ideal cottage, thanks!" Jane and Jonathan, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

"On Monday we went for a walk in the mines at Gunnerside.On Tuesday we went to the museum at Hawes. On Thursday and Friday we went for walks at Surrender Bridge and then Buckden Pike. Mum and Dad thought the cottage was fab! Watch out for power cuts!" Ramsay Leitham, 6 years old, Peebles.

"My first visit to the Dales. It was just as good as Lynne said it would be - thanks."Malcolm and Lynne, Nottingham.

"This was our first visit to the Dales and it won't be the last! We have had a fantastic week - fab weather, fab walks right on your doorstep, fab cottage and plenty to do. The Haven is one of the best cottages we have stayed in and we will defo be booking with Cat Hole Cottages again. We are sad to leave and can't wait to return."Lee and Fay, with dogs Harvey and Bella, from Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.

"Had a lovely relaxing week. The Haven is a super cottage to stay in, even with a broken leg! Swaledale is always beautiful and never disappoints."Jane and Jonathan, Gilbert and Ruby, Ashbourne.

"Beautiful cottage, well-equipped, weather superb, fantastic countryside. We have had a lovely short break. Could not ask for more!"Suzanne and Alistair, Leeds.

"Wonderful relaxing break, weather terrible, but that just meant more R+R, which was great. Cottage amazing (best we've been to). Loved it and really sad to leave."Dot and Mark Newbury-Birch, Tynemouth.